Ayman al-Zawahiri, in an 5-minute, 30-second audio message, called for battle against Ethiopian forces who entered Somalia to drive out Muslim militias who had taken over the capital of Mogadishu.

The audio was produced by Al-Sahab Media Productions:

"In the name of God, praise be to God, and prayers and peace be upon God's Prophet, his household, companions, and supporters. My Muslim brothers everywhere, God's peace and blessings be upon you.

"While I am addressing you today, the Crusader invading Ethiopian forces are violating the Islamic land of dear Somalia. Moreover, the Security Council is plotting to approve this invasion by issuing its resolution to dispatch international forces to Somalia and by its failure to issue a resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces from Somalia. Here, I am urging the Islamic nation in Somalia to be steadfast in this new Crusader battlefield, which America, its allies, and the United Nations are waging against Islam and Muslims.

"The United Nations, which divided Palestine and provided a legal cover for invading Iraq and Afghanistan, is offering today a new service to the Crusader alliance led by America against the Islamic and mujahid Somalia.

"My Muslim brothers in Somalia: Do not be terrified by America's power as you have defeated it before, thanks to God and His grace.

"Today, America is weaker than before as the mujahidin dealt a fatal blow to it in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hence, it sent its slaves to you. Therefore, do not be affected by the first shock, it is just worthless propaganda, arrogance, and haughtiness. The real battle will begin by launching your campaigns against the Ethiopian forces with God's help and might. The faithful groups - in their pursuit of death for the sake of God - will devour the Crusader invading Ethiopian Army, which has launched an aggression against the lands of Islam, God willing.

"Similarly to what happened in Afghanistan and Iraq where the strongest world power has been defeated in the face of mujahid groups that long for paradise, its slaves will face similar defeat on the land of Muslim, mujahid Somalia, God willing. Therefore, employ ambushes, mines, raids, and martyrdom-seeking campaigns so as to devour them exactly as lions devour their preys. Moreover, when you pursue your jihad, make sure you adhere to the creed of loyalty and purity and let the Koran be your reference, as God says: And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them verily Allah guideth not a people unjust

(part of Koranic verse).

"This is one of the greatest secrets behind the success of jihad in Afghanistan and Iraq; he who cooperates with the invaders is similar to them and shall face the same disgraceful fate.

"I also appeal to my Muslim brethren everywhere to respond to the call for jihad in Somalia. I appeal to the lions of Islam in Yemen, the state of faith and wisdom, I appeal to my brothers the lions of Islam in the Arab Peninsula, the cradle of conquests, and I also appeal to my brothers the lions of Islam in Egypt, Sudan, the Arab Maghreb, and everywhere in the Muslim world to rise up to aid their Muslim brethren in Somalia through offering sacrifices, money, opinion, and expertise so as to defeat the slaves of America that it sends to death on its behalf.

"I appeal to the Muslims everywhere to rush to support their brother mujahidin who are being encroached upon and are being fought by America and its slaves for they chose the law of Islam instead of the law of looting, plundering, theft, bribery, corruption, and treachery.

"God says: And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise! Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things. (Koranic verses)

"I urge them not to listen to any defeatist calls that would prevent them from taking part in supporting their brothers who are being attacked. I call on my brothers, the young men of the Islamic groups, to keep in mind that they only joined these groups so that such groups could help them obey God. If such groups prevent you from so doing, you should destroy these caskets in which you are being mummified alive. You should get out of these graves in which these groups intend to bury you alive.

"O Muslims in Somalia, I bring you good tidings: America and its slaves will be defeated with the help of God in Somalia as God defeated them in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, you should be patient and steadfast.

"God says: "O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper. And obey Allah and His Messenger. and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere." (Koranic verse)

"Our last prayer: Praise be to God, the lord of all creation, and may God's peace and prayers be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions."1